Marking a new stage in the development of Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a modern, electric and exuberant reboot of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 1980s, two advanced prototypes made their public drives on Sunday 5 and Monday 6 October in Calvi, Corsica. Taking place ahead of the Historic Tour de Corse rally, this event followed months of fine-tuning and unrelenting efforts by the Alpine engineers responsible for developing this unique vehicle.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E is the first model in the electric “mini-supercar” class. Maximum agility, breathtaking performance, spectacular drifting capabilities and driving thrills: a celebration of pure sporting spirit in a uniquely sized package. Just 4.08 metres long and 2.03 metres wide, with a minimum length-to-width ratio of 2.01, Renault 5 Turbo 3E was inspired by both the innovative DNA and sporting spirit of its predecessors.
Developed by Alpine, Renault 5 Turbo 3E is based on a custom-built aluminium platform, optimised by carbon features including the top section of the bulkhead and part of the floor. An ideal mix that is both lightweight and stiff. The in-wheel motors at the rear are the main innovation, developing 2 x 204 kW, the equivalent of 555 hp, for torque of 4,800 Nm that is available even faster than with a conventional electric motor. At the same time, the two wheels can be controlled separately to optimise torque distribution, and boost agility and performance. Traction is provided by the front and rear suspension with their double wishbone set-up.
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E prototypes staged their demonstration runs in front of an enthusiastic audience on a closed esplanade at the port of Calvi, and on the route of the iconic Notre Dame de la Serra and Montegrosso special stage. For this event, the prototype sported respectively a black, yellow and white livery in tribute to the Tour de Corse and a red, blue and white livery, a tribute to the colours of the Maxi 5 Turbo driven by Jean Ragnotti, winner of the Tour of Corse right here in 1985.
Reservations opened on 22 April, with prices starting from £140,000 including tax, excluding options, accessories and personalised features*.
GR Snippets
- Renault 5 Turbo 3E, “mini-supercar” and modern electric reboot of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2, has made its first runs at the Historic Tour de Corse rally
- The debut took place ahead of the competition, ending on October 11, which this year celebrates the 40th anniversary of Jean Ragnotti’s win at the wheel of a Maxi 5 Turbo in 1985. For this public debut, two advanced prototypes of Renault 5 Turbo 3E performed runs and drifts in Calvi and on the routes of the iconic special stages: Notre Dame de la Serra and Montegrosso
- The public was able to appreciate the performance and agility of this unique 555 hp electric sports car, driven by Renault driver ambassador Julien Saunier. Julien is taking part in the Historic Tour de Corse at the wheel of a Maxi 5 Turbo in the iconic colours of Jean Ragnotti, who won the Tour de Corse with the same car in 1985
- Priced at £140,000*, Renault 5 Turbo 3E is now available for reservation, offering customers an opportunity to buy one of the 1,980 vehicles available when orders open
